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Emersyn Sharpe doesn’t belong in our world

In fact, the very last place she should be is with us. But someone is hurting her. We’ve all seen it.

We tried to ignore the warning signs. We tried to trust the people around her.

We tried to believe in her world.

Too late.

When she nearly died in front of us, we had to act.

We took her.

She doesn’t belong in our world, but I’ll be damned if someone lays a finger on her under my watch.

I’ll kill them first.

Now that she’s here… I don’t know if I can let her leave.

I’m Jasper Horan, anyone who tries to take her will have to go through me and my boys.

You’ve been warned.


SAVAGE VANDAL is a full length mature college/new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book one in the series.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2021

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About the author

Heather Long

198 books2,035 followers
I love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.

I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.

After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.

Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.

One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.

I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
Profile Image for Miftahul.
370 reviews184 followers
April 26, 2021
Ok i dont have problems with kidnapping plot or whatever but this book was boring af. Dnf at 75%.

Hero’s stalks heroine for days but does nothing as she gets abused.
Hero’s kidnap her.. “protects her” and keeps her in a room
Hero’s take turns to keep eye on her
Heroine: i want to leave
Hero enters the room : no
Heorine frowns and goes back to sleep

Another Hero enters the room
Heroine “blushes” : i want to go
Hero : no
Heroine “ blushes, his voice is pretty” goes back to sleep

Another hero enters the room
Heroine : i want to go
Hero : no
Heroine goes back to sleep

So now imagine this till 75%, you get the book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
110 reviews11 followers
February 23, 2021
"Because I'm your brother and I've never lied to you. I know you want her
But you can't have her."

* * * * *

From the moment Emersyn Sharpe - bruised, ballsy as hell, but never broken Emersyn freaking Sharpe - stared down a monster, mesmerized a man and dropped from the ceiling like an avenging angel, I was so freaking hooked. From the moment the threats of painting a stage in blood and breaking every bone in a vile man's body were promised by a stormy-eyed, tattooed man in a dark alley, I was hooked. And from the moment Emersyn slipped from shadow to spotlight and showed us her soul as she moved, I was hooked.

Savage Vandals is the first in a new, reverse harem series from the freaking incredible Heather Long, and when I say this series is captivating, enticing, gut-wrenching and scorching, oh, I mean it. Emersyn has been through hell and more than endured or survived, she's thrived, pushing her body and mind to the extreme as others tried to tear her apart and use her for their own gain. The promise of darkness lurks in these pages and I am dying to dive deeper into the world of the Vandals! DYING!

Speaking of the Vandals. Ohh, the Vandals. The. Freaking. 82nd. Street. Vandals. Good LORD. These men are enigmatic, enthralling, infuriating aaaand mine mine mine. 👀🥵😜 (I know, I know, just let me run with THIS DREAM, please. Because THEY ARE SO DELICIOUS, hnnngh.) I tried to choose, because I love to torture myself, but I can't and #whychoose. We're keeping them all.

Let's not forget the secrets...this book is driving me crazy in all the best ways, because there's so many layers - secrets, lies, danger, and traps - and we get the most delicious, tantalizing glimpses into the dark, twisted worlds the Vandals and Emersyn navigate.

Savage Vandal officially has me panting and screaming and gasping for MORE! Grab your copy, and be ready to not put this book down until you've devoured every last page and have fallen as hard for Emersyn and the Vandals as I have! It's so FREAKING GOOD!
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
1,935 reviews890 followers
March 7, 2021
What a gripping and intriguing beginning to the 82 Street Vandals series. We’ve got all the makings of a dynamic and entertaining series- mystery, danger and violence, ample romantic tension and chemistry, and a buffet of sexy leading men alongside a delightfully unique and resilient heroine. Savage Vandal is only the beginning- an enigmatic, twisting, and darkly delicious one.

From the first pages, I knew our heroine was going to be different- refreshingly so. We first meet Emersyn pre-performance, and in a captivating opening chapter we learn so much yet we somehow also learn so little. She’s a dancer- whose many talents include her artistry in aerial silk dancing. A career that immediately personifies much of who she is as a character- she’s unique, bold, incredibly adept at handling unusual and precarious situations, and she’s powerful. But like her art, she’s also metaphorically tied and trapped, tangled in a dangerous situation where with just one wrong move she’d find herself in peril. We can sense the danger around her, though we don’t know exactly who or what it is- and we soon learn that she’s been hurt, the harm of which is manifested physically, and alluded to emotionally. Just who is Emersyn and what is her baggage? Well, we’re trying to figure that out. She lets us in to help us know her spirit, but when it comes to her history, we’re left still a bit in the dark.

Speckled throughout our opening chapters, we also start to meet the crew of men, the Vandals, whose business has them orbiting the enigmatic but captivating Emersyn, and men who soon end up pulling her into their world when they save her from harm. And these hyper protective, equally mysterious, and frustratingly tight lipped, dangerous yet somehow valiant men decide to keep the wounded little bird to protect her, and perhaps for something else. Their motives are equally mysterious to both us and Emersyn, who has somehow gone from one cage to another, although the company is decidedly more delicious, and unexpectedly safe, in this one.

Overall, this was a great series starter- very original, beautifully written, and fascinating in concept. The second half really took off for me, but it did take a minute to really engage me after that incredibly hooking beginning. A lot of this is a function of it being a series opener and the reverse harem architecture, which isn’t a fault of the story but rather the function of kicking off a series. We have some world building to do, and Emersyn and the Vandals have two very different worlds, and we also have a large cast of potential leading men to get to know. Their penchant for nicknames made it hard for me to categorize and get to know them at first, but once they started to have distinct personalities I started to connect with them more- and to buy into their chemistry with Emersyn. Additionally, our action for a good chunk of the story is very insulated, and with secretive characters and a recovering Emersyn, it did make the character journey feel a little immobile in that leg of the book. But the connections really start to take off, and Heather very smartly finds ways to isolate Emersyn with individuals so we can start to know some of them- and a few in particular already own me.

Narratively, Heather is doing some very clever things here. While we have multiple POVs, even internally these characters aren’t forthcoming. There’s a cognitive wall between us and them- like these characters don’t even want to voice some of their pains or truths in their own minds, which keeps us as readers feeling just on the outside, feeling but not knowing. We have lots of questions- and be prepared to get few answers. The story steadily progresses and then Heather hits hyperspeed into a jaw dropping climatic final scene (and crushing cliffhanger) that raises even MORE questions. And Heather also isn’t rushing the harem- everything (not just the steam but the relationships/ connections) are super slow burn. Most of the men are strangers to us and Emersyn still, though we see some budding chemistry and loads of protectiveness. In fact, I’m not even sure I know just WHO will be in the harem. We have loads of contenders, and lots of dynamic chemistry, but not a lot of romantic action just yet. So, that dynamic is not at all the substance of this first book- I have a feeling we’ll need to wait a while for Emersyn to explore her connections with the guys a bit more before a many-guy construct is explored. Heather smartly knows she needs to build our investment in these relationships- but most importantly, she needs to build Emersyn’s. Her past, paired with her Stockholm syndrome- like situation, keeps her guarded and wary. She’s not one to trust easily, so I like that Heather is making sure these men earn it before Emersyn opens up too quickly.

But what I find most interesting about the narrative approach is how Heather immerses us in the enigmatic ambience- how she uses internal voice, tone, and calculated silence to shroud the story in mystery. There’s an opacity to the narrative, an artful paralipsis - one that brilliantly keeps us as readers just on the edge of truth. What these characters DON’T say matters far more than what they do- and so far, they don’t say a lot. A powerful approach not only because it makes us hungry for answers, but also because it helps us connect to our characters’ experiences while they aren’t yet clear to us. We might not know all we want to about them- but we FEEL their own frustration and confusion at the secrets and intentional omissions, because we experience it ourselves as readers. An inspired and smart approach, as it only heightens the suspense and the ominous energy.

I have a feelling we’ve only scratched the surface - but I am intrigued. And, Heather has left me with a ravenous thirst for answers. And, as we find out more about who these captivating characters truly are and start to dig deeper into their pull to each other and their secrets, I know I’ll be even more ravenous for them. Excellent start to what I think will be a truly tantalizing and consuming dark series!!
Profile Image for Daisy Delfin.
1,075 reviews148 followers
May 21, 2022
Long, Heather Savage Vandal 82 street Vandals, #1 53 - 3728 316 Seiten 16.05.2022 - 18.05.2022
Date:
Shelves:

BASIC FACTS:
Pages: 316
My rating: 4
Genre: RH, Gangster/organised crime
Themes: Dance, Abuse, Gangs,
Protagonist Ages: Emersyn 18, Doc is much older than her like 10 to 15 years older, the guys are older than Emersyn, but their age is never mentioned.
Pacing: a good pacing for this topics and this book
Plot Rating: 3.5

I had this first book Savage Vandels on my Kindle ever since Annie and Gaby recommended it. But now I decided to read it and it was a good time, because the fifth book will come out soon and one is for preorder in September. I don’t know, how many books there will be in the series. But looking at the series Untouchable, I hope this series won’t have so many books.

I enjoyed the start of the series. There are so many secrets we have to uncover things we do not understand but need to understand. And it will take some more books to get some more answers. Off to read the next book.😉


The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons



Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,051 reviews102 followers
March 15, 2021
Typical fmc

This was ok, I loved all the guys, but I didn't care for the fmc. I felt She was a complete and utter imbecile. She has been hurt in some of the most abusive ways, and yet when shown any kindness it's like she bulks at it? She goes on and on about needing to get away, yet my question is, where to? She never thinks anything through? Maybe talking about getting away from her situation? The ppl who have wronged and hurt her! Nothing. Oh no she runs away without a plan, honestly I laughed. Typical. Tstl.
72 reviews
March 7, 2021
Oh good lord!! What a way to start a new series it didn’t just start with a bang it started with a god damn grenade!
The first book in the new series by heather long is for sure going to rival all her other amazing series and that’s certainly saying something big!
Emersyn is set to be a hell of a leading lady and her men oh just drool, I was seriously blown away by this book and can’t wait for book two for more of the same!
Profile Image for Jess .
1,037 reviews147 followers
December 12, 2021
Emersyn Sharpe doesn’t belong in our world...

From her first moment on the page Emersyn Sharpe stole my heart with her unrelenting strength. No one in her company saw the power that she wielded when she was on the stage, and they all tried to take pieces of her. She was not going to let that happen... she only had to make it a few more months and she could out from under the thumb of her tormentor.

Her whole life is turned upside down when she wakes upon a bed that is not her own, with a strange man there watching over her. Before long there are multiple men the room with her, all looking at her and seeing the scars that she has worked so hard to keep hidden.

Jasper, the man from the show that fixed her doorknob and gave her the first sense of privacy that she has known for years...

Vaghn, helped her get away from Eric when he was going after her yet again just because he could...

Kestrel, her driver, and the only semblance of a friend that she has had while being in this hell town...

Along with the comes Doc, Rome, Liam, and Freddie... Emersyn doesn't know why she is here with all these men but as the days turn to weeks, she realizes that there is no way out. These men want her here but not for ransom and before she realizes it, she is starting to care about her captors. The way that Vaghn always seems to know what she needs to hear, and while Jasper is gruff, he does things for her that will make her more comfortable.

Months of being held in this place with these men have Emersyn craving an escape but if she can escape where is she going to go? Sometimes the evil you don't know is better than the evil you do because being kidnapped might take away some freedoms but if her tormentor were to find her there is no telling what is in store for her...

On to narration, because DAMN it was beyond anything I was expecting. Brooke Daniels as Emersyn was entirely sexy. Her voice was fragile at times and then it was raspy with an edge you could really feel for the character she was portraying. This was my first narration by her, same with Toby Scott he did incredible with the different characters he was portraying, and I am really hoping they will be in the second book. Now, Noel Harrison... because delicious is the only word coming to mind. This was not my first narration by him it was my second and let me introduce you to his narrations babes because you haven't heard a growl, or a "fuck" done properly until you have heard him do it. Needless to say, I fully suggest the audio for this book.

If you are note one for cliffhangers than I suggest you have book two on hand because you are going to want to dive right into it after finishing this book, I know I do. Heather Long gives you a perfect taste into the world of The Vandals and you are so not ready for all that is Emersyn, Vaughn, Jasper and Kestrel.
Profile Image for Felicia.
1,798 reviews95 followers
December 12, 2023
Savage Vandal by Heather Long is a captive reverse harem romance. This is the first book in the 82 Street Vandals series.

The book does come with a caution "SAVAGE VANDAL is a full-length mature college/new adult romance with enemies-to-lovers/love-hate themes. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest."

This is the first book of Heather's that I have read, and it definitely won't be my last. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the chemistry between Emersyn, Vaughn, Jasper, Kellan, and Doc. I can't wait to see what might progress between Emersyn and Rome, Liam, and Freddie as the series progresses. I really enjoyed getting Emersyn, Jasper, Kellan, and Vaughn's point of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

The cliffhanger was amazing! I can't wait for the next book Vicious Rebel to be released on July 6, 2021, so I can get more of Emersyn and her boy's story.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves captive romances, dark romances, enemies-to-lovers romance, new adult romances, reverse harems, or romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Laura Jackson.
411 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2021
Author Heather Long sure knows how to leave a girl thirsty .. I am THIRSTY for more.. letting me dive into the dark and mysterious world of the 82nd street Vandals and getting me hooked and caught in a thirst trap in the worst way..
Let me tell you why.. Emersyn Sharpe is a dancer .. she spends her nights fighting through the pain..wrapped in silks..flying through her guilted cage.. she carries her pain like a badge and she wears it like a shield.. she’s so used to it and it’s heartbreaking and brave ... she is the strongest type of woman..
Until she meets the Vandals .. Vaughn, Freddie, Liam, Kellan,Rome, Liam, Jasper, and Doc.. I don’t know much about them, I feel like what I do know I wouldn’t take that away from anyone by telling you.. but I do know that I am here for it all.. the depths of this story is going to be incredible..
This book ends on a cliffhanger, but I was prepared.. Honestly if you have read any of Author Heather Longs series you know she likes her cliffys..but she always makes them worth while..
This series is dark and it touches on issues that may be sensitive for some but I loved it.. the darker the better in my eyes anyway.. I really loved the personal conflict Emersyn goes through while she’s with the vandals. sometimes things are easier said than done..I loved how protective they seem to be of her, even if I don’t quite understand it yet. I loved that even when you know things are wrong you can’t help the feelings you feel ..
There are a couple of intensely delicious sex scenes that are HOTTT.. I definitely recommend this series and I know I will be rereading it..
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,520 reviews48 followers
February 28, 2021
Emersyn is grace personified, a beautiful bird, poetry in motion. She's a combination of skill, strength, and style in the silks. But it's all an illusion. Her life is full of pain, abuse, and fear. No one notices or cares. Until they see her. That should be the end of it. But they can't leave her. She doesn't belong in their world but that doesn't mean they won't take her.

This is a new RH from Heather Long. She creates a world unlike anything else in the genre. It's a complete contraction on each and every level. A fragile beauty made of steel. Celebrity and secrets. Artistry and crudity. Passion without intimacy. Protection with threats and violence. Never have I read a book that paints such a vivid picture without telling me anything. We spend months with Emersyn and the men and come away knowing little more than we did at the beginning. We assume things, we pretend that we know but it's all a mystery. It left me spellbound. And conflicted. One moment I wanted Emersyn to give in and get closer to the men; the next I would remember she was a captive. One minute I would be enthralled with the men, their protectiveness and hotness; the next I would remember the locked doors and lack of communication. I love how it played out because I want a future for Emersyn and the Vandals. Without choice, this is not possible. So it had to be. A cage is a cage no matter how pretty the silks or how hot the captors. Now the little bird can fly home.
Profile Image for Amy Sweeney.
269 reviews13 followers
March 8, 2022
“𝗗𝗼𝘃𝗲…𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲.”

This is my first book by heather long and I am not disappointed I’m so glad I picked this up!

Savage Vandal is the first in the 82 street vandals and let me tell you I loved it!

I had so many questions throughout the book and I can’t wait till those get answered in the next books!!

I’m so intrigued to learn more about the guys and honestly I love Emersyn!

She has clearly been through a lot and I can’t wait to read more about that.

The guys ugh, I am staking my claim on Vaughn right now he is just it for me right now, that could change leading through the other books, Freddie is so so funny I liked him a lot!

I’m so excited to read the next book I know I’m gonna love it.
Profile Image for C. Roth.
Author 5 books11 followers
November 16, 2022
So many secrets and so many layers! We are introduced to Emersyn Sharpe, who is one strong cookie, and when she is attacked, the 82nd Street Vandals step in and save/kidnap her. We soon realize they know A LOT about Emersyn and want to protect her, but the reasons are not revealed yet.


There are some really yummy smexiness scenes, but it is a slow burn to get to it. Totally worth it though once you get there. I love RH’s that don’t have the FMC jumping into bed with all of the harem right off the bat. The book ends in a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens and hopefully get some answers.
Profile Image for CeCe.
3,512 reviews109 followers
March 13, 2023
Too many characters introduced with their own POVs and then each male MC trying to show who has the bigger penis. They biggest issue everything was so vague. I think the author was trying to do a mystery that the reader would be so drawn to the unknown that they would want to continue reading. False. She danced, someone was abusing her, this was her last show, and she was moving on to the next show. The MCs were so drawn to her that they only wanted to protect and be with her. I read a lot of psychological thriller and they gave me more information than this story. The female MC was okay.
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
1,950 reviews337 followers
January 17, 2023
This was intriguing. It was difficult keeping the guys straight at first because the author switched between their real name and their nickname frequently. Some of the guys Emersyn only knew by a nickname, so when their real name was used later I thought it was a new person. Emersyn has had a crappy life filled with abused, but I'm not sure being kidnapped and kept in the dark about why is much better. The end is pretty climatic so you will want to have book 2 on hand.
Profile Image for Jenn Flynn.
95 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2021
Wow

This is such a good book. I was amazed at the silk dancing, how well it was described. I wish we knew more of what was actually happening and why but I'm guessing so many secrets can't be revealed at once. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Jane Catherine.
308 reviews36 followers
March 8, 2021
What is there not to say about this start to a series...It’s hot, dark, and perfect. It is completely different from what I have read from Heather Long before but she knocks it out of the park. Emersyn is such a fascinating heroine. She is so strong in so many ways yet she has this innocence and vulnerability to her as well. I really can’t wait to learn more of her backstory.

Then there are the guys. I LOVE them. ALL. OF. THEM. I will say that Liam and Rome just speak to me. I love the twin vibe they have going on but also that they are so different. I really can’t wait to know more about them. Then there is Doc, what is there not to say about him? He’s gorgeous, sweet, smart and a compassionate doctor. What more could you want? Kestrel is the enigma to me and I know there is more to come from him. Jasper is the alpha-ahole you love and then there is Vaughn...sigh...the sweet, gorgeous, tattooed and perfect bad boy. Literally all of them are drool worthy.

This book will have your emotions all over the place and the ending will really leave you addicted to this world and these characters.
Profile Image for Melissa .
407 reviews29 followers
June 22, 2021
Majorly mysterious, super intriguing series start!

Savage Vandal features Emersyn, a dancer and aerial performer who is currently on tour. At the end of one of her shows, Emersyn is taken by a group of men for reasons unbeknownst to the reader. This is where the mystery begins and the questions start to pile up, but throughout the course of the book, we don’t get many answers.

As the opening book to the series, much of Savage Vandal focuses on world building and character development. Emersyn is a strong heroine, both physically and mentally, and finds herself starting to care for some of the men who have taken her captive. We don’t know much, aside from the fact that these men are in some type of street gang or club, and are fiercely protective of Emersyn.

Heather has laid the groundwork for an intriguing and hot RH read. This book is a bit of a slow burn, but the chemistry is building and I’m excited to see how these relationships develop in the next book. Incredible start to the series and can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Rebecca Norvitz Norvitz .
641 reviews20 followers
March 5, 2021
What an amazing start to a new series. This book is book 1 in Heather Long’s new series 82nd Street Vandals. This book is different from what I normally associate with when reading Heather’s stories. This is a slow burn, college, enemies to lovers RH. Emersyn is the FMC and she is a dedicated dancer with insane dancing abilities. Then you have The Vandals. Jasper, Vaughn, and Kellan. We don’t learn much about their lives and how they are all connected in this book, so I’m eagerly awaiting book 2! I definitely recommend starting this series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Taylor Wilson-West.
Author 5 books49 followers
February 25, 2021
Dark, gritty, spicy, and 100% mind-blowing.

Wow. Just...wow.

I wish I had better words to do this book justice. But hot dang this book left me speechless. And the authors note? Yeah, thanks ALOT Heather! Even with the heads up about the cliffhanger, I still somehow managed to be completely shook.
The writing is beautiful, almost lyrical. I really enjoyed getting to know all the players in this story. I do have to say at first I was *really* confused. There's a lot of questions without answers, a ton of hot bodied men to keep up with, and honestly, I'm not at all mad about it. I picked this book up yesterday, and if I didn't have to eat, sleep, you know, be an adult, I probably would have read it in one day.
Anywho, to say I devoured this book would be a massive understatement. Any spare time I had, I was reading this book.

If you enjoy damaged saviors, a sassy chick, and a very sexy mix of the two....well, this book is for you.

Thank you TalkNerdy2Me PR and Heather Long for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I cant wait to get my hands on the next book in this fantastic series!
Profile Image for Ayesha.
387 reviews82 followers
March 15, 2021
A Great Read

you ever want to scream at an ending? Well you will with this one!!!!!! Heather has written an impressive story, one where not only do you want to throttle the characters but you also want to love them, ita a total mind play!!!! I'm still at then point where I'm trying to figure out how it's all going to play out with Emersyn as there are alot of interests that can sometimes really confuse you and if your not careful its easy to loose track of who plays what role all together and this is the only reason this book never reached 5 stars for me but thats my shortcoming not so much the books A great read and one I cannot wait for book 2
Profile Image for Anna.
836 reviews
March 9, 2021
Emersyn Sharpe is one tough chick. She's a dancer so she has to be tough. Dancers get injuries all the time and they have to work through the pain. She's not just any dancer though, she's an aerial dancer. I don't know personally but I would think that adds to the injuries one might get. Then there is the real crux of the matter. Emersyn has been trying to hide a secret for a while. Dancing isn't the only thing that is giving her injuries. When her tour makes it's stop in Braxton Harbor, Emersyn's whole life gets flipped upside down.

Savage Vandal is the first book in this new series by Heather Long and let me tell you I am here for it! With any new series you are going to have to build the world you are in, the characters, give a good feel for the situation. Heather did all of that and she did it well. I guess you would call this a slow/medium burn on the romance level as well. Which makes total sense as Emersyn was kidnapped by a group of gang members. She wakes up with no idea where she is or why she is there. When we get to the end of the book, we don't have an established relationship or harem. We aren't really even sure who all will be included. I have the guys I am pulling for though. We do still get some sexy times and they are YUMMY!!

Let me just say that I am a total fool about dancing. I can't do it for anything in the world but I love to watch it. Any SYTYCD fans out there? Heather did a beautiful job of describing Emersyn's dance moves. She pulled you right in and made you feel the emotion, helped you feel what Emersyn was feeling as well as those that were watching her. So fab job on that.

So as I mentioned above, Emersyn gets kidnapped by the 82 street vandals. Jasper is the leader of this group and he had a plan. When he witnesses Emersyn getting hurt though, he kinda loses his mind and just takes her. With the plan out the window, he isn't quite sure what to do and neither are the guys under him. Emersyn wakes up in a strange place, injured again which isn't really a surprise, and with people she doesn't know at all. Even if she thought she might have. I give her credit, she handles it all extremely well. Her main struggle is trying to figure out why her kidnappers are being kind to her. She's seen them be the hard gang members but they've also shown her care she didn't expect. She doesn't understand how she can have any kind of warm feelings for the men who took her and won't let her leave.


There is a lot of mystery and unanswered questions in this first book. There are just enough hints to get your mind working and yet you still don't know the truth behind it all. Who is pulling what strings and what has happened in the past to lead them all to where they are. Then we have that ending. So much going on with that ending. My heart was racing and about to beat out of my chest when I finished. Absolutely brilliant cliffhanger. I am 100% here for this series. I need all the books now!!!!
Profile Image for Rambling Reader.
422 reviews68 followers
March 1, 2021
Savage Vandal is an intriguing start to Long's newest series.
✓ Alpha males with some definite MINE issues who are more than willing to create some mayhem for their lady
✓ Gangs & guns (& knives)
✓ Some s3xy Stockholm Syndrome
✓ A wounded FMC who's not totally defenseless

Emersyn, our FMC, is a bit of a wounded bird (no pun intended, you'll see) when the series first starts, and throughout book 1, we start to get little bits and pieces of what's happened in her life to make her that way. Now, even though she's wounded, that's not to say she isn't strong. Physically, she's a bit of a beast, able to power through bruises and breaks, pushing herself to the limit, and I think it's really cool to see her strength because we're used to our bada$$ ladies being super alphas, or bikers, or assassins, or some kind of supernatural, and it's nice to see a dancer's strength be showcased.

We've got a whole bunch of guys to "lick" and try to claim, but I'm not 100% sure if they're all meant to be in the harem. Who I'm sure on, I think: Vaughn, Kellan, Rome, Jasper, and Doc. There are a few other guys, like Freddie & Liam, who are mentioned, but they don't get as much time to make me feel like there's a romantic aspect brewing there. Though perhaps Long has given a final verdict in her group and I totally missed it. If so, ignore me, hah. In any case...

I feel like there are some guys who take the clear front seat and clear backseat in Savage Vandal. Vaugh is going to be a huge fan favorite, , and I have a feeling that Rome won't be too far behind despite how little we actually see him talking on page. The personable ones and the quiet artists are usually big hits, and I honestly like both of them. Jasper, however, is going to get the hearts beating for all of those alpha-obsessers. We don't get to know too much about him, but we do see that he's nothing if not ready to make time itself stop if it means that Emersyn will be his. Doc and Kellan easily fall into the likable category too, but I want to see more of them in the next book to decide if they also can make my heart go pitter patter.

Overall, I enjoyed this one, and I'll definitely be reading book two. I think that one of the reasons I would take a star off is that it's a little static. We've got some tough nuts to crack, so there's a lot that we have left to learn about all of them, really, and sometimes that makes it feel like we're just living in the now. I want to dig into their pasts a little bit more to see them as more fully rounded, and having read Long's other series, I'm sure that's coming, but I just wanted a tiny bit more in this one.
Profile Image for Bookandinklover.
1,142 reviews31 followers
September 19, 2021
The foundation laid down for this series is fairly well done from a world building standpoint. We get an intro to the FMC and we meet the guys and a small glimpse into their world. The character development is almost nonexistent in this first book and the plot is so vague it hardly resembles an actual plot. Now, character development can happen in later books and the plot can start to emerge as something concrete, it’s just slogging through the beginning that was difficult for me. Mainly because I had trouble connecting with the characters.

I definitely want to read the next book so I can truly determine if this is a series I want to read. I believe it has a lot of potential to be an incredible series. 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this book however.
Profile Image for Jeni Wideman.
132 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2021
I’m reviewing this after reading an ARC of Savage Vandal.

Heather Long’s new series 82nd Street Vandals is A must read!

Savage Vandal will leave you wanting more and more of Emersyn Sharpe’s story and to see where her chance encounter with the Vandals is going to take her and what her story with them will become or develop into. This story will draw you into their world and waiting on the edge of your seat for the next book in the series. Savage Vandals is a reverse harem book, and these men do not disappoint, I loved getting to “see” what it is about Emersyn that draws each of them in. You will love this and like me, be eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Emma Lou.
285 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2021
This was my first book by Heather Long, and I knew this was going to be right up my street when a steel eyed, tall, tattooed, muscular guy with a cigarette in his mouth was instantly threatening to kill someone for a girl he can't keep his eyes off.

This is book one in a new Reverse Harem series, and damn was this book gripping! A reason why I love RH books so much is that you get the chance to have a whole group of different characters, like you're spoilt for choice, and Heather has certainly pulled off creating a sexy AF group of guys here with the the 82nd Street Vandals, Jasper, Kellan, Vaughn, Rome, Liam and Freddie.

This was a bit of a slow burn (as expected from a first in the series) and we got to know a couple of the guys a little bit, I feel like Heather is keeping her cards close to her chest at the moment though and only letting us peek at small bits of insight about them all and how they feel...
"Vaughan couldn't keep his hands off her. Jasper couldn't stand not seeing her. Rome was hooked, or he'd never have tested Jasper's patience. Even fucking Freddy adored her."

With most RH novels I read, I always find myself loving them all in the harem, because over here we stan the whole "why choose" way of life 😂 but one guy usually stands out for me, at the moment I'm loving Vaughn, he's had me cracking up and swooning in equal measures:
"Go to sleep Dove, plenty of time to argue tomorrow. Soon as you can handle it, I'll get you another steel tray to whack me with"
But saying that, I am so intrigued by Rome, I have a feeling by the end of book 2 I'll be head of heels for him!

Emersyn, wow, what a woman! How can you describe her in a way that does her justice? Brave, level headed, sassy, strong...bruised and beaten but made of steel! There is so much I want to know about her that I'm not sure how I'm going to cope with the wait of book 2!

I love the little details of this book, they each call her a different nickname from Swan, Sparrow, Dove, Starling, boo-boo and little bit. They all kind of have their own way of coping and handling things, their own little quirks, their personalities are so different but equally enticing, there's definitely a Vandal for everyone's taste, whether you want an alpha like Jasper, a nurturer like Kellan, a funny one like Vaughn, a mysterious one like Rome and Liam or a playboy like Freddie.

This book drove me mad in all the best ways it should do, but oh man I do I have some serious questions I need answering! Heather can certainly keep you on your toes from trying to work out why the hell everyone is hiding so much to that cliff hanger! We knew the cliffy was coming but damn, I wasn't prepared for it to just end like that! I'll be counting down the days until we get the next installment!
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,189 reviews24 followers
March 9, 2021
Emersyn Sharpe is an extremely talented dancer on the stage and in the silks. She's tired, she's been on tour every year for seven years, she wants to relax a bit, her time is coming, just not yet.

It's what been happening behind the scenes of that success that is both sad and horrifying. The first people we meet in this book are Emersyn and Marta who's been with her for over a decade. Emersyn's running late because of deluge of rain. Marta jumps on her for being late as soon as she walks in the door and is met with Emersyn's snark and sarcasm.

At her dressing room we meet up with a theatre tech working on her door. He's installing new locks for her after noticing how inadequate they are. We'll see much more of him later.

Then there's her dance partner Eric, him I dislike right away, even before I read what he's done to her. He's definitely a jerk and an abuser.

Jasper's protective instincts come to the fore and but there are others who are protecting her along with him. I'm pretty sure Emersyn wasn't part of any plan they had involving this theater originally.

Fortunately or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint, they aren't going to let Emersyn be abused more. It's an Eric attack by that leads to her being with them.

I have to say as I read Emersyn's performance in the silks, I could picture every move as if I was up there with her. The lights, the moves, the strength through pain and that moment of fear all resonated within my soul.

The relationship between Emersyn, Justin/Hawk, Vaughn/Falcon, Kellen/Kestrel, Rome, Liam and Freddie is unusual at best, I love Mickey/Doc for all he does.

There's so much we learn and so much more still to be discovered and I know all the pieces will come together as these books come out.

And yes there is a cliffhanger!!!
Profile Image for Jesse Adler-Wheeler.
312 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2021
I’m still in awe. Heather Long is quite possibly one of my favorite authors and this new series she has...is just wow. I always love the way Heather writes her stories, so flawlessly, like you’re right there in the pages. Her attention to detail and conversations whether it’s the main character talking to themselves or to others is outstanding. It gives you everything you need to envision each and every scene. How she thought this story up, is beyond me but it just goes to show how artistic and creative her mind is.

Savage Vandals is about girl named, Emersyn. She is in a Very competitive sport, aerial acrobatics and goes all over, on tour, performing. When she is at a stop along the way, she doesn’t realize it but she is being scouted, watched, and ultimately taken. For reasons we still do not know. Emersyn is a tough cookie. She endures pain, abuse, and mental fatigue but keeps it all at bay. She is taken in by a group of guys in a gang. The way you are introduced to each guy leaves you wanting to know more and more about their history and how they wound up where they are. The way this story ends is...leaves you wanting the next book like yesterday!

We have so much to learn and I am anxiously awaiting this next book. If you have not read anything by Heather, I highly recommend starting this series or her Untouchable series. You won’t regret it! Heather, you are a star I can’t wait for the whole series to come out and to see what else you have up your sleeve!
Profile Image for Nicole.
375 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2021
Holy moly. This book is full of secrets, hidden from us, and the female main character, Emersyn. When we meet Emersyn, she is struggling with her current life as a dancer and aerialist with a traveling show. Then her life drastically changes. She is faced with danger, adversity, and confusion. Heather Long once again leads us along, stringing us behind hints and clues, until you’re turning page after page, desperate for more of Emersyn’s story, until you are at the end and there is no more, and you are left feeling as abandoned as she once was. This story is a slow burn, but in the most delicious way, where you don’t even realize that Emersyn is working her way into the hearts of her guys. One thing I REALLY love about this book is that even at the end of book one, you still don’t know who she’s going to end up with. I have ideas, but I don’t really know for sure, and THAT is the main reason I’m hooked. The story? Yeah, the story of Emersyn is enthralling, and I want to know what happens, but the slow burn of this romance has me addicted. It’s snuck up on me, and slowly poisoned me with the slight hints, and random flirtations, and then the gentle kiss of hope and promise.

Story 📖: 5/5. Full of secrets and mystery!
Heat 🔥: 2.5/5 slow slow burn, but so worth it!
Darkness🖤: 3.5/5 there are insinuations of abuse, and violence
Cliffhanger 🏔: 5/5 WTF?! Where did that come from?!?
Profile Image for Elisabeth.
58 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2021
Savage Vandal is the first book in a new series by Heather Long and lets just say it checks all the boxes and then some. This book is so captivating, it draws you in and sucks you so deep you are drowning in the world of Emersyn and you don't want to come up for air.

Savage Vandal, is just that, savage. This book is dark and gritty. It touches on subjects that make you want to cry for Emersyn and all she's gone through (and I have a feeling we don't even know the half of it). Yet somehow, in everything she has endured she is strong and fierce. So freaking fierce. It is bloody in the best way. It will have your rooting for the "bad" guys, her kidnappers, the 82nd Street Vandals.

Ugh these guys. These freaking gorgeous men you cannot help but love. And yes, that includes Freddie. There is more than meets the eye with them and I am here for it all. I want more, need more! I want them ALL. They worm their way into your heart even when you want to scream at them. The way Heather describes them it's like they come alive off the pages and you can see them clearly in your head. It's almost tangible. She has a way with words. They stick with you in the best way.

After reading Savage Vandal I have questions that need answers. I have an obsession I need to feed and now an addiction to this world. I cannot wait for book 2! I have a feeling this story and the overall series will be one of my all time favorites. This is not your typical love story. It is not even your typical dark romance. It is so much more than that. Read this story, you will not be sorry!
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